This blog is designed to exchange ideas about how to dramatically cut your gear weight to make tramping (hiking) trips less strenuous, but still remain safe and sensible. Subscribe, make comments, ask for advice, or share your lightweight gear experiences with our community.
The header photo features me on Kay's Creek Saddle. The pack is the 45Lt Zpacks Arc Blast, hiking poles Helinox FL120 and watch a Suunto Vector.

31 Jan 2011

I stumbled across these poles at Kathmandu (shop). My carbon Alpkit poles had "kinda" served me well. I say that because I always had problems losing the carbide tips until I got smart and cemented them in. However, on last trip, I slipped on tussock coming down a slope, fell on the pole I braced myself with and snapped it clean in two.

I actually thought the Alpkit (UK) poles were light at 385g for the pair, but these Fizan (Italy) are only 346g a pair and look stronger.

There are made from aluminum, compact down to 58cms. There are three sections and can extend to 132cms. Here's the best part, I got 2 for the price of 1 - $119. Checkout the photo below. You can order online at Kathmandu.

About Rob McKay

I'm a member of the Upper Clutha (UCTC) and Auckland Tramping clubs (ATC) and a have been an active tramper (Hiker) from boyhood and Boy Scouts. About 10 years ago I began my journey into ultralight weight hiking. Most of my multi day trips I never exceed 8 to 10Kgs (base weight 4Kgs) recently doing the John Muir Trail in the High Sierras and ATC 10 day Xmas trips with 10Kgs. I am a self-confessed gear addict! I have a passion for wine and viticulture. I am an Industrial/Organisational Psychologist, and published author. I enjoy talking and researching lightweight gear, so feel free to contact me for suggestions and advice at lightweightrob@gmail.com